Catholic Communities to Unite in Prayer for Immigrants on Eve of Trump Inauguration

Recognizing the marginalization that immigrants are facing as President-Elect Trump prepares to take office, Catholic communities across the country are joining together in “prayers of light” for immigrants on Thursday, January 19, 2017. The national effort is coordinated by the Ignatian Solidarity Network and invites its partner universities, high schools, and parishes to host vigils or Catholic masses to offer prayers of solidarity for immigrant members of local communities.

“We offer these symbols of light as signs of solidarity for those who may be forced into the shadows of our nation,” said Christopher Kerr, executive director of the Ignatian Solidarity. “Through actions of solidarity across the country, we hope to illuminate the dignity of our immigrant brothers and sisters.”

Prayers will take on many forms. Students and faculty at Loyola University Maryland in Baltimore will host a “walking candlelight vigil” in the campus student center amid the busy lunch hour. At Saint Peter’s University in Jersey City, New Jersey, undocumented students will share their experiences, the student choir will perform, and the prayer service will end with an opportunity to contact members of Congress to advocate for humane immigration policies. St. Agnes Church will pray in celebration as their parish community declares itself a “sanctuary church” that same day. Parishioners will begin the service at their Ignatian Spiritual Life Center and then move to the front steps of the church with candles to hold silent public vigil.

ISN has also initiated a social media “Thunderclap” campaign to draw attention to the prayers being offered both in-person at vigils and by individuals across the country. Sign on here prior to 7 PM ET tomorrow, Thursday January 19: